Teachers in Michigan make on average about $69,067 per year as of the 2023-2024 school year, which places Michigan 19th in the nation for average teacher salary. The average starting salary for new teachers in Michigan is around $41,645, ranking 44th nationally. This indicates that while salaries have increased nominally in recent years, Michigan has dropped in relative ranking compared to other states. Additionally, Michigan teachers earn roughly $2,963 less than the national average teacher salary, and starting salaries are about $4,881 less than the national average. Experienced teachers earn around $69,100 on average, but the state faces challenges in competing with other professions that have similar education levels, as Michigan teachers earn nearly 23% less than comparable professionals. Salary ranges vary widely depending on location, experience, and education level. For example, in some Michigan cities, teacher salaries can be higher—Hamilton offers a typical salary of about $50,100 annually. Entry-level salaries are around $38,963 to $41,645, while top earners can reach over $55,000 annually. In summary:
- Average teacher salary in Michigan: Approximately $69,067 annually (2023-24)
- Average starting salary: Approximately $41,645 annually
- State ranks 19th nationally for average salary and 44th for starting salary
- Salary varies by region, experience, and qualifications
- Michigan teachers earn about 23% less than other professionals with similar education
These figures reflect public school teachers' compensation trends and comparisons to national data in 2025.
